Connex International Services

Belize - An Ideal Offshore Option

There are many advantages to setting upon an offshore company in Belize. Belize is located in Central America,
but is the former British colony British Honduras. Belize has excellent relations with all its neighbors, but
retains English as the national language, a certain British feel in everyday transactions, and British laws to
define how business is done. Belize has fantastic laws concerning company formation,
trusts, and banking. Its laws are particularly favorable to foreigners looking to protect their assets, obtain maximum
tax reduction, and enhanced financial privacy.

The most common Belize business structure is the International Business Company (IBC). An IBC has no minimum capitalization,
requires only one shareholder and director at startup, the director does not need to reside in Belize, and shareholder name(s)
are never released. What makes the Belize IBC so appealing is that it is exempt from Belize taxes. This is because the IBC is only allowed to do business
outside of Belize with the exception of opening bank accounts in Belize, and maintaining a local office to assist in management and administration of
those non-Belize business activities. As such there are no tax returns or reports that need to be filed; only a modest annual flat fee that is currently $100 USD.

There are many options in how to form your IBC. It is still possible to have "bearer shares" issued, although the Registered Agent is required to
maintain a list of those holding these "bearer shares" giving the system considerably less benefits. We prefer to issue the shares outright to the client,
or to a trust if the client prefers added privacy and improved tax treatment at home.

Banking in Belize is safe and secure. Belize banks primary focus is on providing safe, convenient, and reliable banking to their customers. They never
invest bank funds in risky investments that could result in capital loss. Some would say this is somewhat stodgy and old-fashioned, but most consider it
very comforting to know that their money will be there when they need it.

There are many different ways of establishing a Belize IBC, and different strategies might provide specific benefits
for different clients depending upon the circumstances. Please feel free to contact us to discuss
your options.